MULTAN/SAHIWAL/SHEIKHUPURA: Scores of activists of civil society, political and religious parties protested against the Youhanabad blasts in Lahore on Sunday.

The protesters led by Justice and Peace Commission Chairman Father Akhtar Naveed and Executive Secretary Hyacinth Peter gathered at Chowk Nawan Shaher, condemned the attacks and demanded that the government provide protection to life and property of the minorities.

They also demanded that the government arrest the culprits involved in the attack and punish them.

They said the minorities had time and again been attacked in the past but neither solid steps were undertaken by the government to protect them nor any action was taken against the attackers.

In Sahiwal, Catholic Church Priest Raphael Mehnga has strongly condemned the attacks on Christians in Lahore.

He said once again the state could not provide safety to its citizens and minorities continued to live in a state of constant tension and fear.

In a statement, he said: “I appeal to all citizens and especially Christians to be united. Our solidarity is essential to show the terrorists that we condemn their method of senseless violence. I particularly appeal to all Christians to voice their protests in a peaceful manner, and not resort to violence and destruction of public property.

“We appeal to the government to intensify its efforts to provide security to all citizens. In June 2014, the former chief justice of Pakistan had issued an order to the prime minister and chief ministers to provide protection to all religious minorities and their places of worship, and appoint a task force for the purpose. This order of the Supreme Court has not been implemented.”

The statement was signed by Rosy Nawab, Almas Silas, Roccus, Ashiknaz Khokhar, Dr. Martin and Asif Iqbal.

Meanwhile, the district chapter of Pakistan Ulema Council (PUC) has strongly condemned suicide blast at Youhannabad Church.

In a hurriedly called meeting, ulema and prayer leaders showed solidarity with the Christian community.

The meeting was chaired by PUC Vice President Maulana Muhammad Shafi Qasmi at Jamia Masjid Amir Maviya, Scheme No 2.

The meeting was attended by Rashid Husain, Qari Hanif, Hafiz Amjad and others.

Raja Javed Mahmood of District Bar Council and Rana Tanvir of District Clerk Bar Association also flayed the attacks.

In Sheikhupura, the Christian community protested against the gruesome incident and blocked traffic on Lahore-Jaranwala and GT roads.

They demanded that the rulers arrest the miscreants and provide protection to minorities.

In Gujranwala, Christians blocked GT Road at Sadhoki and Gondalwala chowk to protest against the onslaught.

The protesters, including women, gathered on GT Road and chanted slogan against the government and police.

Speaking to the protesters, Pastor Sabir Gill, Michael and Shreef Aalam announced that the community would observe a complete strike on Monday (today) while all missionary schools would remain closed.

Sargodha was no exception to the demonstration as a number of Christians assembled on the main road after the incident. The major protest rally, led by Chairman Pakistan Minority Alliance ex-MPA Tahir Naveed Chaudhry, was taken out from 49 Tail.

The protesters set old tyres ablaze and blocked main Lahore, Faisalabad, University and Gilwala roads. Later they reached the press club.

Speaking to the protesters, Mr Tahir said the minorities supported Zarb-i-Azb and terrorists took revenge by targeting churches in Lahore.

The minorities alliance announced three-day mourning.

Published in Dawn, March 16th, 2015

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